Paul Edwards is correct to a certain degree Chronic inflammation leads to an increase in CRP's. C-Reactive proteins. This is usually the result of gum disease(periodontits). CRP's are inflammatory intermediaries which when present at elevated levels can accelerate buildup and blockage in arteries of individuals with elevated cholesterol levels(atherosclerosis). Slightly different than an acute infection which can cause more immediate problems. Particularly in individuals with a history of bacterial endocarditis, those with a heart murmur with regurgitation, and or those with an artificial heart valve.

Andrew W. Spath